An emergency action plan (EAP) is a written document required by particular OSHA standards. The purpose of an EAP is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies. Well developed emergency plans and proper employee training (such that employees understand their roles and responsibilities within the plan) will result in fewer and less severe employee injuries and less structural damage to the facility during emergencies. A poorly prepared plan, likely will lead to a disorganized evacuation or emergency response, resulting in confusion, injury, and property damage.
Putting together a comprehensive emergency action plan that deals with those issues specific to your worksite is not difficult. It involves taking what was learned from your workplace evaluation and describing how employees will respond to different types of emergencies, taking into account your specific worksite layout, structural features, and emergency systems. Most organizations find it beneficial to include a diverse group of representatives (management and employees) in this planning process and to meet frequently to review progress and allocate development tasks. The commitment and support of all employees is critical to the plan's success in the event of an emergency; ask for their help in establishing and implementing your emergency action plan. For smaller organizations, the plan does not need to be written and may be communicated orally if there are 10 or fewer employees.
At a minimum, the plan must include but is not limited to the following elements:
" Means of reporting fires and other emergencies;
" Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route assignments;
" Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate;
" Procedures to account for all employees after an emergency evacuation has been completed;
" Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform them; and
" Names or job titles of persons who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan.
The New Hampshire Emergency Action Plan Checklist (EAP) is a comprehensive document designed to help organizations and individuals prepare for emergency situations in the state of New Hampshire. This checklist serves as a guide to develop robust emergency response plans, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals during critical events. The EAP checklist includes key steps, procedures, and considerations that cover a wide range of emergencies, including natural disasters, severe weather, hazardous materials incidents, and public health emergencies. The New Hampshire EAP checklist encompasses various components that are crucial for effective emergency planning. These components include risk assessment and analysis, communication strategies, emergency response team formation, evacuation plans, sheltering and temporary site management, resource and logistics management, as well as post-emergency recovery procedures. By covering these essential elements, the EAP ensures that organizations can respond promptly and efficiently during emergencies, minimizing potential risks and damage. Different types of EAP checklists may be tailored to specific industries or sectors, as the emergency response requirements vary across different entities. Some examples of specialized EAP checklists in New Hampshire might include: 1. School Emergency Action Plan Checklist: This type of checklist is specifically designed for educational institutions to address emergency situations that may occur during school hours. It covers emergency evacuation procedures, lockdown protocols, communication strategies with parents, coordination with emergency response agencies, and student accountability. 2. Healthcare Facility Emergency Action Plan Checklist: Healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care centers, have specific requirements to ensure the safety of patients and staff during emergencies. This checklist may include protocols for medical surge capacity, patient evacuation and transportation, infection control measures, and coordination with local health departments. 3. Industrial Emergency Action Plan Checklist: Industries dealing with hazardous materials or operating critical infrastructure require specialized emergency preparedness. This checklist includes procedures for managing chemical spills, responding to explosions or fires, activating the incident command system, and coordinating with regulatory agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 4. Community Emergency Action Plan Checklist: This type of checklist is designed for local governments and community organizations to prepare and respond to emergencies that affect a broader population. It may include provisions for mass sheltering, search and rescue operations, public warning systems, volunteer coordination, and mutual aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions. Overall, the New Hampshire Emergency Action Plan Checklist serves as a vital tool for organizations and individuals seeking to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities during emergencies. By carefully following the EAP checklist and adapting it to their specific needs, entities can effectively mitigate risks, protect lives and property, and ensure a swift recovery after an emergency event.
